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Hand

What is Fabric Hand : The way the fabric physically feels when touched. Terms like softness, crispness and silkiness are all terms that describe the hand of the fabric. Extremely important in terms of Luxury Bed Linens: the finest Sheets, Sheet Sets, Duvets, Comforter Covers, Pillowcases, Shams, Bed Blankets, Throws or Throw Blankets, Comforters, Coverlets, Coverlet Sets, Bed Spreads, Quilts or Bedspread Sets should always be described as having an excellent hand. When this is not the case, the Sheet or Blanket surface will feel more rough and coarse. The finest Sheets and Duvets are comprised of Egyptian Cotton and made using the finest weaving methods, Italian Sheet Sets and Duvet Sets, or Blankets Made in Italy, being prime examples.

Heather

What is Heather or Heathered Fabric : A yarn that is spun using pre-dyed fibers. These fibers are blended together to give a particular look, such as black and white blended together to create a grey or charcoal heathered yarn. The term, heather, may also be used to describe the fabric made from heathered yarns. Most often used in Pure Cotton Flannel Sheets, Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets, Comforter Covers, Shams or Bedskirts. Heathered Wool Bedding includes Bed Blankets such as Mongolian Pure Cashmere Blankets, Merino Wool Bed Blankets, New Wool Bed Blankets and Pure Wool Blankets and Heathered Wool Throws such as Mongolian Pure Cashmere Throw Blankets, Merino Wool Throw Blankets, New Wool Throw Blankets and Pure Wool Throw Blankets. Boucle Wool Blankets and Throws can also be Heathered.

Hemp

What is Hemp Fiber : A coarse, durable baste fiber obtained from the inner bark of the hemp plant. Used primarily in twines and cords, and most recently used in certain apparel. Hemp is never used in Bedding or the production of Fine Linens, such as Fine Linens requiring softness including Sheets or Duvets, however is used in certain unique Home Furnishings.

Herringbone

What is Herringbone Weave Fabric : A variation on the twill weave construction where the twill is reversed or broken, at regular intervals, in order to produce a zig-zag effect. In terms of Fine Linens, herringbone weaves are most found in Bedding such as Pure Cotton Flannel Sheets or Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Mens’ or Womens’ Luxury After-Bath Robes and Bathrobes, Duvets and Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams, Luxury Throw Blankets including Camel Hair Throws and Wool Throws, as well as in Specialty Bed Blankets such as Pure Cashmere Bed Blankets, Pure Wool Blankets or New Wool Bed Blankets.

Houndstooth Check

What is Houndstooth Check Weave Fabric : A variation on the twill weave construction in which a broken check effect is produced by a variation in the pattern of interlacing yarns, utilizing at least two different colored yarns. Rarely used in Bedding however may be found in Pure Cotton Flannel Sheets, Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Mens’ or Womens’ Luxury After-Bath Robes and Bath Robes, Duvets, Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Shams, Luxury Throw Blankets including Camel Hair Throws and Wool Throws as well as Specialty Bed Blankets including Pure Cashmere Blankets, New Wool Blankets and Pure Wool Blankets.

Hydrophilic Fibers

What is Hydrophilic Fibers : Those which absorb water easily, take longer to dry, and require more ironing. In the finest Luxury Bed Linens, Pure Egyptian Cotton, Pure Cotton, Pure Linen or Cotton/Linen blends most are superior with linen or linen blends drying the fastest. Pure Egyptian Cotton and Pure Pima Cotton are all-natural fibers that naturally wrinkle at a higher rate but provide far superior breathability than man-made fibers such as Polyester.

Hydrophobic Fibers

What is Hydrophobic Fibers : Those which lack the ability to absorb water. Typically, use of these fibers are strayed away from in production of Fine Linens and Bedding. All-natural fibers such as Pure Egyptian Cotton, Pure Cotton, Pure Linen, Pure Silk or Cotton/Linen and Silk/Cotton blends naturally absorb and wick water from the body for breathability. Hydrophobic fibers are generally reserved for embellishments of Home Furnishing or Accessories inclusive of those appearing on Duvet Covers, Comforter Covers, Comforters, Specialty Quilts and Comforters, Decorative Pillows, Accessory Throw Pillows, Curtains and Drapes.

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Ingeo

What is Ingeo : The world’s first man-made fiber created from 100% annually renewable resources. An entirely naturally-based fiber, derived from the Earth and sustainable resources such as corn but feels like Superfine wool. Fantastic heating capabilities and ultra-soft surface, with fantastic pricing. Ingeo is not derived from petroleum, like other manufactured fibers, and is therefore a much-improved resource. Non-depleting to the environment, these fibers are made into extremely warm Bed Blankets and Luxury Throws with incredibly soft surface textures. The surface feels similar to fine wool, yet has the advantage of being entirely machine-washable and dryable without affecting the fantastic good looks. The dyeing process is well-done and Ingeo holds natural dyes extremely well. Available in a wide range of colors, Ingeo is the hottest new fiber for both the home and clothing, with fantastic drape and excellent hand. Currently used in some of the newest Bed Blankets, Throw Blankets and Luxury Throws. Ingeo is also currently used in Queen size Mattresses, King Mattresses, California King Mattresses and Bed Pillows.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Interfacing

What is Interfacing Fabrics : Used to support, reinforce and give shape to fashion fabrics in sewn products. Often placed between the lining and the outer fabric., it can be made from yarns or directly from fibers, and may be either woven, nonwoven, or knitted. Some interfacings are designed to be fused through adherence with iron heat, while others are meant to be stitched to the fabric. Used for Bedding including Bedspreads or Bedspread Sets, Comforters or Comforter Sets, Bedskirts, Pillow Shams, Coverlets and Coverlet Sets or Quilts.

Interlock

What is Interlock or Interlocking Stitch : The stitch variation of the rib stitch, which resembles two separate 1 x 1 ribbed fabrics, interknitted. Plain, or "double-knit," interlock stitch fabrics are thicker, heavier, and more stable than single-knit construction.

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Jacquard

What is Jacquard Fabrics : Woven fabrics manufactured by using the Jacquard attachment on the loom. This attachment provides versatility in designs and permits individual control of each of the warp yarns. Thus, fabrics of almost any type or complexity can be made. Brocade and damask are types of Jacquard woven fabrics. Jacquard is often used in Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Pure or Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets, Pima Sheets and Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Egyptian Cotton Duvets and Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Pillow Shams, Coverlets and Coverlet Sets, Bed Spreads and Bedspread Sets and Comforters. Luxury Bed Blankets may also be bound in Jacquard fabrics, such as specialty Italian Blankets made of Cashmere or Wool and bound in Egyptian Cotton Jacquard Borders. When used as a border on Blankets or Throws, Jacquard allows for tugging and pulling and increased durability, while maintaining an ultra-soft texture and elegant look. Use of Egyptian Cotton Jacquard borders on Blankets is rare due to increased cost for manufacture, however the best Italian Cashmere Blankets and Italian Cashmere Blankets are bound in Egyptian Cotton Jacquard for softness and hand.

Jacquard Knit

What is Jacquard Knit Fabric : A weft double knit fabric in which a Jacquard type of mechanism is used. This device individually controls needles or small groups of needles, and allows very complex and highly patterned knits to be created. Most often used in Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Pima or Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets and Duvet Covers, Comforter Cover Sets, Shams, Coverlets and Coverlet Sets, Bed Spreads and Bedspread Sets, Comforter Sets and Comforters, Bed Blankets and Throws or Throw Blankets.

Jersey Fabric

What is Jersey Fabric : The consistent interlooping of yarns in the jersey stitch to produces a fabric with a smooth, flat face, and a more textured, but uniform back. Jersey fabrics may be produced on either circular or flat weft knitting machines. With bedding, Jersey is usually made of standard Cotton however Luxury Bedding Sheet Sets can be comprised of Egyptian Cotton. Pure Egyptian Cotton Jersey Sheets or Sheet Sets and Pillowcases are the absolute finest material for a Jersey Set. The feel is smooth, naturally elastic in feel and fit, and feels cool to the touch when Cotton or Egyptian Cotton is the fiber used. Long-Yarn Egyptian Cotton Jersey sets feel similar to a t-shirt.

Jersey Stitch

What is Jersey Stitch : A basic stitch used in weft knitting where each loop formed in the knit is identical. Also called a "felt" or "stockinet" stitch.

Jute

What is Jute Fiber : Primarily from India, a baste fiber mainly for gunny sacks, bags, cordage, and binding threads in carpets and rugs. The roughness of the fiber means that jute is not typically used in most home furnishings or bedding and is instead reserved for bindings of floor coverings inclusive of floor rugs.

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Knit Fabrics

What is Knit Fabrics : Fabrics made from only one set of yarns, all running in the same direction. Some knits have their yarns running along the length of the fabric, while others have their yarns running across the width of the fabric. Knit fabrics are held together by looping the yarns around each other. Knitting creates ridges in the resulting fabric. Wales are the ridges that run lengthwise in the fabric, while courses run crosswise.

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Lambs Wool, Lambswool

What is Lambs Wool or Lambswool : The first clip of wool sheared from lambs up to only 8 months old, so fine that the wool is very soft, slippery and resilient. Lambswool is used in Luxury Bedding fabrics either by itself, or blended with other fibers. Examples include Lambs’ Wool and Merino Wool blends, or Lambs’ Wool and Angora, Lambs’ Wool  and Silk or Lambs’ Wool and Cashmere. Found only in the absolute finest Bed Blankets, Luxury Throws or Throw Blankets and Home Furnishings. Domestically, Luxury Bedding utilizing Lambswool is extremely rare. This is a type of Wool found more frequently in high-end Bedding produced in Europe, in particular those Made in Italy. Examples include Italian Superfine Merino Wool Bed Blankets, Italian Silk and Superfine Merino Wool Bed Blankets and Mongolian Cashmere and Merino Wool Bed Blankets Made in Italy. Lambs’ Wool provides a supremely soft surface, naturally sheds moisture and is highly fire-resistant, making Lambs Wool a premiere choice for production of Fine Wool Bed Blankets.

Lamé

What is Lame Fabric : A woven fabric using flat silver or gold metal threads to create either the design or the background in the fabric. Not frequently used for Luxury Bedding but may be found in accent areas of Fine Linens such as trim areas of Duvet, Duvet Sets or Duvet Covers, on Comforter Covers, surrounding or accenting Pillow Shams, as trim on Comforters, Comforter Sets, Bed Spreads and Bedspread Sets, edging Bed Skirts, accenting Drapes or Curtains, or as decorative trim on Accessory or Throw Pillows or other Home Furnishings. Lame is generally slightly scratchy or rough due to the metal threads, and is best used for accent areas of Bedding or Accessorizing the Home.

Lawn

What is Lawn : A light, fine cloth made using Carded or Combed yarns of Linen or Cotton. Lawn fabric has a crease-resistant and crisp finish. Linen lawn is synonymous with handkerchief linen. Cotton lawn is similar in nature and can range from white to solid colors, or even printed.

Leno Weave

What is Leno Weave : A construction of woven fabrics in which the resulting fabric is very sheer, yet durable. In this weave, two or more warp yarns are twisted around each other as they are interlaced with the filling yarns; thus securing a firm hold on the filling yarn and preventing them from slipping out of position. The Leno Weave is also called a gauze weave. Air and light are permitted passage through the fabric, making it an excellent choice for Curtains, Window Treatments or Drapes. The Leno Weave is too sheer and not durable enough to be used in Fine Linens such as Sheets or Duvet Sets.

Linen

What is Linen Fabric : A fabric comprised of linen fibers which are obtained from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. While Linen is far stronger and more lustrous than cotton, it tends to wrinkle quickly unless blended with other manufactured or natural staple fibers. For Luxury Bedding and Fine Linens such as Sheet Sets, Linen is commonly blended with Cotton or even Egyptian Cotton, in order to further increase softness, surface smoothness, hand and drape. Even Cotton and Linen blends will wrinkle, though less than Linen used alone. Egyptian Cotton and Linen blends can be extremely worthwile, providing coolness and fast-drying capabilities while remaining soft to the touch. Linen is one of the oldest textile fibers in the world, and one of the most widely used Luxury Bedding fibers throughout much of Europe including Italy and France. Italian and French Sheets and Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvet Covers, Duvets and Duvet Sets, Comforter Covers, Bedskirts, Tablecloths, Table Runners, Napkins, Bath and Hand Towels, and Kitchen Towels are often made from Pure Linen, Linen/Cotton or Linen and Egyptian Cotton blends.

Lining

What is Lining : A fabric that is used to cover the inside of Home Furnishings, Specialty Bedding items or Furniture Upholstery so as to provide a finished look. Generally, the lining is made of a smooth lustrous fabric. Most Bedding items have two surfaces for use and are therefore unlined. Examples of line Home Furnishings include Drapes or Draperies, Bathroom or Bath Shower Curtains, Valances, Luxury Comforters or Comforter Sets, Bedspreads or Bedskirts.

Loom

What is Loom : A machine used for weaving fabrics, including but not limited to Egyptian Cotton, Pure Cotton, Pure Silk, and for Noble Fibers such as Pure Cashmere. Additionally used for Pure Wool, Silk and Wool blends, Cashmere and Wool Blanket, Lambswool and Merino Wool. Used to create fabric for Sheets, Sheet Sets, Pillowcases, Duvets, Comforter Covers, Shams, Bedskirts, Bed Blankets, Cashmere Blankets, Living Room Throw Blankets, Wool Blankets, Lap Throw Blankets, Curtains and Drapes, Exteriors for Goose Down Comforters and Bed Pillows, Accessory or Decorative Pillows, Sofas, Couches, Slipcovers and other Furniture Covers.

Lyocell Fiber

What is Lyocell Fiber : A manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose. Lyocell has a similar hand and drape as rayon, but maintains better durability, is stronger and is often machine-washable. Characteristics include subtle luster and rich color. Lyocell does not shrink easily, offers good absorbency rates and is wrinkle-resistant by nature.